SSAA Disciplines – a shot for everyone
By Sam Talbot
There’s a SSAA discipline for every shooter, and often there’s more than one.
Throughout the years, I’ve been privileged to shoot every single SSAA discipline. Often, this was thanks to the generosity of other shooters supplying their expertise and equipment. So, thank you first and foremost to the shooting community for the opportunities I’ve had during these years.
Additionally to shooting over the years though, I’ve played field hockey, football volleyball, tennis, golf, table tennis, netball and even recently ran a half marathon. I don’t see a difference between any of these and the shooting sports. I think they share a lot more of the same qualities than non-shooters realise. They all involve varying degrees of skill, equipment, time and fitness. So, when I talk about the shooting sports or suggest a discipline for someone, this is the frame of reference I use. I view them as different ‘games’.
One of the elements I believe makes a game great is that it’s easy to learn, but hard to master. Shooting encapsulates that idea. Beginners can often take up the sport within a few minutes and be shooting alongside veterans. I’ve seen time and time again beginners get the hang of shooting like a duck to water. Of course, they won’t be the best but often there’s something innate about shooting that human beings just understand.
Shooting is a straightforward idea – point at the thing you want to hit and pull the trigger. So easy anyone can do it, right? And that’s where the SSAA disciplines make life interesting. What about when your target is:
- far away
- really small
- really small and really far away
- or so far away you have to factor in the curvature of the earth?
On the flipside, sometimes your target is moving. Sometimes you’re the one moving, and sometimes you’re moving and you’re wearing a cowboy outfit!
I’m not sure how many different types of competitions are left to be invented; we seem to have just about everything covered and that’s why I believe there’s a shooting discipline for everyone. With that in mind, I’m going to offer some advice about the disciplines and give some advice about what I would recommend to beginners or someone thinking about giving a different discipline a shot.
I’ve attempted to group the disciplines into some broad categories. There’s a lot of overlap between the groups, but the following is what I think about the disciplines.
Talbot’s Doggedly Grouped Disciplines
Action-packed and Dynamic
Personally, this is my favourite category, since I prefer short and fast shooting over patient precision. I started shooting at just 13, when I finally got to start clay target shooting with the rest of my family. Accordingly, I’m biassed towards 5-Stand because you get the thrill of a wide range of moving targets, the challenge of keeping track of a variety of angles and using your reflexes. The quick pace of each target is only matched by how fast each round is, simply having to move to the next adjacent stand to face off against more clays. Plus, who doesn’t like to see their target get smashed in the middle of the sky for all to see?
If that’s not dynamic enough for you, I would suggest considering Precision Rifle or Single Action Shooting. While the targets in these disciplines may not be as dynamic as flying clays, you as the shooter definitely are. In Precision Rifle, you’ll navigate through challenging courses with multiple targets at varying distances, requiring quick reflexes, strategic movement, and precision shooting skills. The thrill of racing against the clock while maintaining accuracy might be the most exhilarating experience in shooting sports.
Similarly, Single Action Shooting transports you back to the Old West. Donning cowboy attire and using period-correct firearms, you’ll move through themed stages, engaging targets with speed and style. It’s not just about hitting the targets; it’s about embracing the spirit of a bygone era and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with it. Both disciplines offer a unique blend of physical activity and shooting proficiency that can get your heart racing.
Get steady and stay calm
‘But Talbot, shooting is about accuracy and precision, not running around as a cowboy!’ I hear you and I see where you’re coming from. Luckily, the majority of SSAA disciplines require you to keep your cool and be steady.
Perhaps the ‘steadiest’ of all SSAA disciplines is Benchrest shooting. In this discipline, shooters aim to achieve the smallest possible groupings by firing from a stable bench using rests to support the rifle. These shooters will do whatever it takes to maximise accuracy – even cleaning their barrels after each round to prevent any loss of precision. Meticulous handloading of ammunition is also a significant part of the sport, as even the slightest inconsistency can affect performance. Getting into a meditative state and shooting a grouping smaller than a coin is incredibly satisfying.
But, if you want precision with a bit more movement, I recommend Field Rifle or 3-Positional (3P) Shooting. These disciplines reward steadiness and accuracy, with the added challenge of shooting from different positions. You’ll need to become comfortable and controlled in standing, sitting, kneeling, and prone positions to succeed. While time limits can be challenging for beginners focused on accuracy, with practice, you’ll find your attention shifting back to precision rather than worrying about the clock.
With many disciplines emphasising steadiness and precision, the deciding factor often comes down to the type of firearm you prefer or have access to. Another consideration is how you handle the pressure of aiming for perfection. Personally, I sometimes find traditional bullseye targets with concentric rings a bit stressful—constantly striving to hit the innermost ring can be daunting. If you feel the same way, you might enjoy disciplines that use silhouette targets, where scoring is binary: hit or miss. This takes some pressure off, as your focus is simply on knocking down the target. Lever Action shooting is a great example of this and would be my recommendation if you’re looking for precision without the added stress of scoring rings.
Historical and specialised
Many shooters are more interested in firearms themselves than in competition. That’s not to say there aren’t serious competitors in these disciplines, but they do lend themselves to a lot more chatting at the range instead of shooting – which is not a bad thing.
Muzzleloading involves using firearms from the 1800s and really makes you realise how much firearm technology has advanced. Loading a firearm today is a breeze compared to back then. If you’re a history aficionado, you’ll get a real kick out of this discipline – and possibly a slightly singed forearm like I did if you aren’t careful!
Similarly, Combined Services focuses on original or faithful reproduction rifles, carbines, revolvers, and self-loading pistols. They say it’s the perfect excuse to use your ‘Dad’s old .303’. That is how I learned my dad paid $50 for his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield many decades ago, which he now thinks may be worth as much as $60!
Perhaps the most specialised and unique discipline barely involves a firearm at all. Working Gundogs captures a part of hunting and lets man’s best friend compete. It’s a fantastic way to keep your canine fit and get some exercise yourself. This discipline emphasises the teamwork between shooter and dog, requiring skills in training and cooperation.
Conclusion
There’s a SSAA discipline for every shooter – and often there’s more than one. Fitness is a factor to consider since some disciplines require more movement and, importantly, flexibility. Having torn my ACL, I don’t find kneeling particularly comfortable, and since I’m not the most flexible person, I’m pretty wobbly from the sitting position. That said, I still like 3P and Field Rifle – I’m just not very good at them!
Obviously, cost is also a significant factor when choosing between disciplines. For example, Benchrest is going to cost a lot more than other disciplines due to the specialised equipment. What gear you have or have access to will influence which disciplines you can try. But you might be surprised by how many disciplines are being shot around you and how easily you can at least give them a shot – even getting set up with second-hand gear can be quick and affordable.
As I’ve always said, trying out new disciplines is a fantastic way to learn something and keep your shooting experience exciting. You may even discover a new passion or hidden talent you never knew you had.